Religious groups upset over Indonesian politics

JAKARTA (JP): Two religious organizations expressed their concern on Sunday over various political developments and the coming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) called in a statement signed by chairman Sularso Sopater and secretary general J.M. Pattiasina for the House of Representatives to halt its deliberation of the bill on state security, and defer the job to the new House elected in the June 7 general election.

Citing the arduous deliberations and large amount of time needed for the job, the communion warned that the document could trample on human rights. The organization said the controversial document also has the potential to suppress people's freedom and creativity.

"Judging by the public reaction over the document, with due respect to the existence of the House members who will soon end their term, please do not leave behind a time bomb," the organization said.

Separately, the Indonesian Council of Mosques said in a media briefing here on Saturday that activists and managers of mosques across the country should remain neutral and maintain their neutrality in the coming General Session of the MPR.

"The Indonesian Council of Mosques is taking a neutral stance in the face of the current political situation, it will not take sides with any interest groups," chairman Kafrawi Ridwan said as quoted by Antara.

"We will not support any presidential candidates," he said.

"Mosques become divided if managers choose to be partisan to any political interests," he said when disclosing the plan to hold a congress of the council here next month.